Tour description
Relax on the beach
The tour starts at Marawila, at the beach. Relax and get in tune with the tropics here. You’ll be treated to a nice boat tour through the coconut groves and be able to taste palm wine and arrack, the local cognac made of cashew or coconut. On day 2 we’ll visit the town of Negombo, where you can see the catamarans come in with a fresh catch, wander over the market and enjoy some fresh seafood.
Massive lion paws
On day 3, we will then drive through lovely tropical hill country to Sigiriya, a perfect base to explore the spectacular rock fortress the Lion Mountain guarded by two massive lion paws. Its frescos of women have been identified as Apsaras or celestial nymphs, as ladies of the Kashyapa court. You probably won’t care who they are but they are great!
Polonnaruwa by bike
Not far from Sigiriya lies the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, littered with statues and ruins that are probably best explored by bicycle. On day 5, we’ll travel to Anuradhapura the Buddhist world’s most holy place of pilgrimage, the Bo Tree. It’s thought to be the only living vestige of the tree under which Lord Buddha received enlightenment in 544 BC. We’ll then move on to the lovely and unforgettable pilgrim town of Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and home to an enormous white Buddha that overlooks the panoramic scenery.
Ancient capital of the country
On day 6 we’ll drive up to Kandy, the spiritual centre and ancient capital of the country. On the way we’ll visit the ancient cave temples of Dambulla, one of the world’s most beautiful Buddhist monuments and visit a spice plantation where you can see how pepper, coffee, cinnamon, cloves, cocoa and ginger are grown. Kandy is built around the sacred site of the Tooth Temple of Lord Buddha. Here in a well guarded shrine the most revered object of the island is kept and it was said that who holds the Buddha’s tooth, holds sway over the island. The first time you look at the shrine it will be as as if you were hit by an electric spark, which really shook me.
Washing elephants
Day 7, it is one of the cutest things to do on the island; visit the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela and enjoy the little ones taking a bath (you can join in under the guidance of the mahouts). Don’t forget to visit the lush botanical gardens of Peradeniya and enjoy a show of traditional dance in the evening, complete with fire walking.The following day we will visit a tea factory en route to Nuwara Eliya, formerly a British colonial town and then go by train to Bandarawela which is in the foothills and from where you’ll be free to go for a walk among the tea plantations & country side.
Safaris into National Parks
On day 11 we travel in to Tissamaharama, starting point for optional safari’s to the Yala or Bundala National Parks where you can encounter elephants, buffaloes, and if you are lucky, a bear or a leopard. Wild peacocks roam free here in abundance. We will also take you to the most interesting temple of Sri Lanka, in Kataragama. Here, both Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims pray, which is unique in the world!
Beautiful sunsets
Then proceeding on day 12 to Weligama (known for its stilt fishermen) and the old Dutch East Indies Trading Company town of Galle, before arriving in Hikkaduwa where we’ll have time to enjoy the beach, beautiful sunsets and the sultry sea breeze until day 14 when we leave to Katunayake in anticipation of going our separate ways. No doubt very tearfully on day 15.